Covering up for a friend who has erred, or reporting on him

The questioner:
This young man says: If my friend commits a crime and I learn of it, and then I am asked about him, is it permissible for me to betray our friendship and inform on him, or should I cover it up for him?

The Shaykh:
What? Repeat it.

The questioner:
He says: If my friend commits a crime and I learn of it, and then I am asked about him, is it permissible for me to betray our friendship and inform on him, or should I cover it up for him?

The Shaykh:
It is obligatory to cover up, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . If the sin is not apparent and is concealed, then cover it up for him. But if rights are being violated, such as theft or looting of wealth, no, testify with what you know, even if it is testimony, until the right that is due to him is fulfilled. As for if the sin is hidden, then cover it up for your brothers and strive with them in repentance, perhaps Allah will accept their repentance. But if he has wronged people, stolen people's wealth, or killed, then no, [testify with] the testimony that is with you,